CALEB Muntz returns to No.10 with a simple but important job — control the territory and deny Japan the freedom to dictate the Pacific Nations Cup final tonight.
The Flying Fijians know the Brave Blossoms will thrive if they are allowed to play in the right areas and build the tempo of their game.
Muntz’s return gives Fiji another option to manage that battle.
Muntz will partner Frank Lomani at halfback, with Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula moving to full-back for tonight’s final in Tokyo.
Fiji head coach Senirusi Seruvakula has backed the change as the Flying Fijians prepare for a Japanese side that has been in impressive form.
Japan demolished the United States 63-14 in its semi-final, scoring nine tries.
The Brave Blossoms’ strength is their ability to play at speed, keep possession and build pressure through quick ball.
Fiji must stop that rhythm before it develops.
Seruvakula said the Flying Fijians would need to manage their exits and territorial game against a Japanese side playing at home.
“We need to bring the same brutality from the last game, we need to start well and be on point with our restarts and our exits,” he said.
That makes Muntz’s kicking and decision-making important.
Fiji cannot afford to repeatedly give Japan possession in attacking territory.
It must exit cleanly, win the gain line and force Japan to start attacks from deep.
Seruvakula also rates the Japanese fly-half highly and knows Fiji cannot allow him time to dictate the game.
The answer will begin with the forwards.
Fiji must win the collision area and get its defensive line moving quickly.
If Japan is forced to play behind the gain line, its attacking structure becomes harder to maintain.
Muntz then has the chance to turn that pressure into territory.
That combination gives Fiji two playmakers who can influence the game with the ball in hand and with their kicking.
But territory alone will not win the final.
The Flying Fijians must use it.
Once they gain ground, they need to apply pressure through their physical carries, quick support play and attacking width.
Japan will want a fast game.
Fiji must decide where that game is played.
And Muntz will have a major role in making that decision.
